Search brisbanetimes:

Search in:

Bosses brace for 173,000 extra 'sickies'

Thousands of workers will stretch their long weekends out with a sneaky sickie ahead of Australia Day, according to a peak business body.

The NSW Business Chamber says it expects an extra 173,000 sick days leading into this long weekend, costing the nation's employers more than $36 million.

That figure does not include replacement costs and reduced productivity, the group said.

The organisation's CEO Stephen Cartwright on Monday urged employees to talk to the boss about leave arrangements rather than leave them in the lurch with insincere sick days.

Advertisement

"It's amazing how many people get 'sick' the day before a long weekend, but it's an obvious stunt that only serves to damage personal reputations and morale in the workplace," Mr Cartwright said in a statement.

"Nobody is fooled by the Friday 'sickie'.

"If you want to take some extra time off, plan it now and talk to your employer today."

Employers should return the favour by accommodating leave requests either side of the long weekend where possible, he said.